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IUCN has one of the world’s most comprehensive ranges of authoritative publications, reports and guidelines for conservation and sustainable development. It publishes or co-authors more than 100 books and major assessments every year. This searchable catalogue holds over 600 free downloadable documents. Help us maintain this service and continue with the digitization of our older collections.

The Rio Tinto ilmenite mine in southeastern Madagascar has been chosen as a pilot site to test the tools designed to achieve & quantify net positive impact (NPI) on biodiversity. In this analysis biodiversity losses & gains were measured and forecast for the period 2004–2065 (ie: from the date of the NPI commitment to the anticipated date of mine closure), in order to determine whether the current and proposed mitigation activities of Rio Tinto QMM are sufficient to achieve NPI by closure.

IUCN situation analysis on East and Southeast Asian intertidal habitats, with particular reference to the Yellow Sea (including the Bohai Sea)

This report was commissioned to assess the state and condition of intertidal habitats along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway in response to growing concerns over observed declines in biodiversity, loss of ecological services, and an increase in ecological disasters. It seeks to present as clear a picture of the status of the intertidal zone in the EAAF as data allows. It does not make recommendations, but it should serve as a resource for stakeholders empowered to make or influence decisions and policies in the region.

Guide to some invasive plants affecting Lake Tanganyika

This booklet describes some of the plants present in and around Lake Tanganyika that affect its environment and biodiversity. It is a starting handbook to invasive plant recognition, understanding and management. It contains a selection of species that have already begun to show an invasive tendency in Lake Tanganyika and its catchment. Each species is described and illustrated so that it can be recognised and distinguished from other plants, with a small section on likely impacts on the lake and its contents.

Guidelines for applying the IUCN protected area management categories to marine protected areas

These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that the IUCN protected area management categories can be effectively applied to all types of marine protected areas as well as to any marine components of adjoining terrestrial protected areas, provided a site meets the IUCN definition of a protected area. Inconsistencies in the application of, and reporting on, the categories reduce the efficacy and use of the system as a global classification scheme. These supplementary guidelines should increase the accuracy and consistency of both assignment and reporting.

This publication provides guidance for terrestrial, marine, and freshwater protected area managers at both system and site levels on the restoration of natural and associated values of protected areas. It provides information on principles and best practice, with examples and advice on the process of restoration.

Conserving dryland biodiversity

The object of this publication is to raise awareness amongst all stakeholders and galvanise wider action to boost drylands conservation and development. It reminds us of the beauty of dryland biodiversity and its intrinsic and instrumental value. The book includes new analyses of drylands biodiversity and an overview of approaches to promote sustainable development. It underlines the importance of indigenous knowledge and culture to dryland conservation, and demonstrates an unrivalled opportunity for sustainable growth and biodiversity protection.

Assessment of the socio-economic value of freshwater species for the northern African region

This project aims to assess the socioeconomic value of freshwater species across the northern African region within the context of the threats to those species as previously determined and documented by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The results have enabled us to identify species of high socio-economic importance and the threats to their long-term survival and sustainable use.

The conservation status of North American, Central American, and Caribbean chondrichthyans

This IUCN Shark Specialist Group report includes the first compilation of conservation status assessments for 282 chondrichthyan species recorded from North American, Central American, and Caribbean waters. The status and needs of those species assessed against the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria as threatened are highlighted. A primary aim of the report is to inform the development of chondrichthyan research, conservation, and management priorities for the North American, Central American, and Caribbean region.

IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.